What one will learn from my instruction:An instrument is learned by time spent and not shortcuts. Play it until it sounds good.

Private music instruction is a year round commitment and I discourage students playing only during the school year. My best students want to come play music and take advantage the opportunities offered to a rehearsed student musician.

Practice is an adult term and kids HATE it. I would rather they "play" their instrument. Discovery is the best form of learning. I am always excited in what students bring to lessons. "Look what I figured out".

I always encourage "noodling" on their instrument. It's called improvisation and it reinforces what they've learned. Any time playing is time well spent away from smartphone games, gameboy, PS, Wii, X-box,etc. Game music; however, is a growing segment of the industry and is a new area of study.

Correcting technique and mechanics, allowing emotion to enter into a student's playing encourages performance.

Lack of time spent results in poor performance and eventually disinterest.

I pay attention to and listen modern music. Nothing wrong with studying new tunes. Students find my knowledge of pop culture refreshing and appreciate my effort to understand their music.

It seems obvious, but I encounter this often. If you don't hear your child playing their instrument, they're not playing their instrument. Schedule time just like any other form of homework.

AUDITION FOR EVERYTHING!!!There are many ensembles both in school and the outside world. The student doesn't always get the best parts unless they are seasoned at auditioning a few times first. Rock Band Camps are a waste of time and money. The student learns two or three songs (old classic rock tunes with simple "hooks" that excite the parents) andleaves the student learning nothing but those few songs. Learn musical skills and play ANY song you want.

You have one of the BEST band programs in the nation courtesy of your tax dollars and it should be utilized to the fullest.

There are local community bands that students may play in for free that count toward community service, vital to any college application. I am the conductor and musical director of The Milford Concert Band offering performance opportunities in the local area.

Understanding the opportunities available to a practiced musician will create an environment of excitement and pleasure.

Students will be able to identify and recognize music of the past in order to develop their own playing style.

INSTRUMENT RENTALS

I've had an excellent relationship with D'Addario Music in Stratford, a family business with an excellent reputation in the music retail business.

If you have reason to cancel your appointment, please call at least 24 hours in advance. All makeup lessons must be made up during that same month. Lessons may not be carried over into the next month.

NOTE: One major reason my students/parents employ me for lessons is that I am a working professional musician. This is a double-edged sword. There are days when I need to cancel lessons for the day to gig/perform because

I am a working professional musician.

Sometimes; unfortunately, it could be a last minute to fill in.

"The show must go on and all that".

I make EVERY effort to fulfill my obligations to my students and am very liberal with makeup availability.

﻿If these criteria are met, then a student will have years of playing enjoyment and a rounded knowledge of the art of music.